Magnetic tunnel junction memory device with stress inducing layers

ABSTRACT

An electronic device may include a semiconductor memory, and the semiconductor memory may include a variable resistance element including a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) structure including a free layer having a variable magnetization direction, a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction and a tunnel barrier layer interposed between the free layer and the pinned layer; a first protective layer disposed on a lower sidewall of the variable resistance element; and a second protective layer disposed on an upper sidewall of the variable resistance element, wherein any one layer of the first protective layer and the second protective layer may apply a compressive stress to the variable resistance element, and the other layer applies a tensile stress to the variable resistance element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent document claims priority of Korean Patent Application No.10-2017-0114543, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATINGTHE SAME” and filed on Sep. 7, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document relates to memory circuits or devices and theirapplications in electronic devices or systems.

BACKGROUND

Recently, as electronic devices or appliances trend towardminiaturization, low power consumption, high performance,multi-functionality, and so on, there is a demand for electronic devicescapable of storing information in various electronic devices orappliances such as a computer, a portable communication device, and soon, and research and development for such electronic devices have beenconducted. Examples of such electronic devices include electronicdevices which can store data using a characteristic switched betweendifferent resistant states according to an applied voltage or current,and can be implemented in various configurations, for example, an RRAM(resistive random access memory), a PRAM (phase change random accessmemory), an FRAM (ferroelectric random access memory), an MRAM (magneticrandom access memory), an E-fuse, etc.

SUMMARY

The disclosed technology in this patent document includes memorycircuits or devices and their applications in electronic devices orsystems and various implementations of an electronic device, in which anelectronic device includes a semiconductor memory which can improvecharacteristics of a variable resistance element that exhibits differentresistance states for storing data.

In one aspect, an electronic device may include a semiconductor memory,and the semiconductor memory may include a variable resistance elementincluding a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) structure including a freelayer having a variable magnetization direction, a pinned layer having afixed magnetization direction and a tunnel barrier layer interposedbetween the free layer and the pinned layer; a first protective layerdisposed on a lower sidewall of the variable resistance element; and asecond protective layer disposed on an upper sidewall of the variableresistance element, wherein any one layer of the first protective layerand the second protective layer may apply a compressive stress to thevariable resistance element, and the other layer applies a tensilestress to the variable resistance element.

Implementations of the above electronic device may include one or morethe following.

The first protective layer may apply a compressive stress to at least apart of the variable resistance element. The first protective layer mayapply a compressive stress to the free layer. The second protectivelayer may apply a tensile stress to at least a part of the variableresistance element. The second protective layer may apply a tensilestress to the pinned layer. Each of the first protective layer and thesecond protective layer may include a material capable of applying anyone of a compressive stress or a tensile stress to at least a part ofthe variable resistance element. Each of the first protective layer andthe second protective layer may include a passivation layer including anoxide, a nitride, or hydrogen, or a combination thereof.

In another aspect, an electronic device may include a semiconductormemory, wherein the semiconductor memory may include: a first magneticlayer disposed over a substrate; a tunnel barrier layer disposed overthe first magnetic layer; a first capping layer disposed over the tunnelbarrier layer; a second magnetic layer disposed over the first cappinglayer; a pinning layer disposed over the second magnetic layer; a firstprotective layer disposed on a sidewall of the first magnetic layer, asidewall of the tunnel barrier layer and a sidewall of the first cappinglayer; and a second protective layer disposed on a sidewall of thesecond magnetic layer and a sidewall of the pinning layer, wherein thefirst protective layer may include a material to provide a compressivestress to the first magnetic layer, and the second protective layer mayinclude a material to provide a tensile stress to the second magneticlayer.

Implementations of the above electronic device may include one or morethe following.

Each of the first protective layer and the second protective layer mayinclude a passivation layer including an oxide, a nitride, or hydrogen,or a combination thereof. The second protective layer may apply atensile stress to the pinning layer. The first magnetic layer, thetunnel barrier layer, the first capping layer, the second magnetic layerand the pinning layer may have sidewalls aligned with each other.

The electronic device may further include a microprocessor whichincludes: a control unit configured to receive a signal including acommand from an outside of the microprocessor, and performs extracting,decoding of the command, or controlling input or output of a signal ofthe microprocessor; an operation unit configured to perform an operationbased on a result that the control unit decodes the command; and amemory unit configured to store data for performing the operation, datacorresponding to a result of performing the operation, or an address ofdata for which the operation is performed, wherein the semiconductormemory is part of the memory unit in the microprocessor.

The electronic device may further include a processor which includes: acore unit configured to perform, based on a command inputted from anoutside of the processor, an operation corresponding to the command, byusing data; a cache memory unit configured to store data for performingthe operation, data corresponding to a result of performing theoperation, or an address of data for which the operation is performed;and a bus interface connected between the core unit and the cache memoryunit, and configured to transmit data between the core unit and thecache memory unit, wherein the semiconductor memory is part of the cachememory unit in the processor.

The electronic device may further include a processing system whichincludes: a processor configured to decode a command received by theprocessor and control an operation for information based on a result ofdecoding the command; an auxiliary memory device configured to store aprogram for decoding the command and the information; a main memorydevice configured to call and store the program and the information fromthe auxiliary memory device such that the processor can perform theoperation using the program and the information when executing theprogram; and an interface device configured to perform communicationbetween at least one of the processor, the auxiliary memory device andthe main memory device and the outside, wherein the semiconductor memoryis part of the auxiliary memory device or the main memory device in theprocessing system.

The electronic device may further include a data storage system whichincludes: a storage device configured to store data and conserve storeddata regardless of power supply; a controller configured to controlinput and output of data to and from the storage device according to acommand inputted from an outside; a temporary storage device configuredto temporarily store data exchanged between the storage device and theoutside; and an interface configured to perform communication between atleast one of the storage device, the controller and the temporarystorage device and the outside, wherein the semiconductor memory is partof the storage device or the temporary storage device in the datastorage system.

The electronic device may further include a memory system whichincludes: a memory configured to store data and conserve stored dataregardless of power supply; a memory controller configured to controlinput and output of data to and from the memory according to a commandinputted from an outside; a buffer memory configured to buffer dataexchanged between the memory and the outside; and an interfaceconfigured to perform communication between at least one of the memory,the memory controller and the buffer memory and the outside, wherein thesemiconductor memory is part of the memory or the buffer memory in thememory system.

In further another aspect, a method for fabricating an electronic devicemay include forming a first portion of a variable resistance elementover a substrate; forming a first protective layer on a sidewall of thefirst portion of the variable resistance element by performing a firstpassivation process; forming a second portion of the variable resistanceelement over the first portion; and forming a second protective layer ona sidewall of the second portion of the variable resistance element byperforming a second passivation process, wherein any one layer of thefirst protective layer and the second protective layer may apply acompressive stress to the variable resistance element, and the otherlayer may apply a tensile stress to the variable resistance element.

Implementations of the above method may include one or more thefollowing.

The first protective layer may apply a compressive stress to at least apart of the variable resistance element. The first portion of thevariable resistance element may include a free layer having a variablemagnetization direction, and the first protective layer may apply acompressive stress to the free layer. The second protective layer mayapply a tensile stress to at least a part of the variable resistanceelement. The second portion of the variable resistance element mayinclude a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction, and thesecond protective layer may apply a tensile stress to the pinned layer.Each of the first passivation process and the second passivation processis performed by using a material capable of applying any one of acompressive stress and a tensile stress to at least a part of thevariable resistance element. The material may include an oxide, anitride, or hydrogen, or a combination thereof. The first portion andthe second portion may have sidewalls aligned with each other. The firstportion of the variable resistance element may include: a free layerhaving a variable magnetization direction; a tunnel barrier layer formedover the free layer; and a first capping layer formed over the tunnelbarrier layer, wherein the second portion of the variable resistanceelement may include: a pinned layer having a fixed magnetizationdirection; and a pinning layer formed over the pinned layer, wherein thefirst protective layer may apply a compressive stress to the free layer,and the second protective layer may apply to a tensile stress to thepinned layer and the pinning layer.

These and other aspects, implementations and associated advantages aredescribed in greater detail in the drawings, the description and theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views illustrating a semiconductormemory and a method for fabricating the same in accordance with oneexample where a variable resistance element 10 is formed to have apillar shape having a tilted profile rather than a vertical profile.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary semiconductormemory of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 3A to 3H are cross-sectional views illustrating an exemplarysemiconductor memory and a method for fabricating the same in accordancewith an implementation of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4 is an example of configuration diagram of a microprocessorimplementing memory circuitry based on an implementation of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 5 is an example of configuration diagram of a processorimplementing memory circuitry based on an implementation of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 6 is an example of configuration diagram of a system implementingmemory circuitry based on an implementation of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 7 is an example of configuration diagram of a data storage systemimplementing memory circuitry based on an implementation of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 8 is an example of configuration diagram of a memory systemimplementing memory circuitry based on an implementation of thedisclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples and implementations of the disclosed technology aredescribed below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings may not be necessarily to scale and in some instances,proportions of at least some of substrates in the drawings may have beenexaggerated in order to clearly illustrate certain features of thedescribed examples or implementations. In presenting a specific examplein a drawing or description having two or more layers in a multi-layersubstrate, the relative positioning relationship of such layers or thesequence of arranging the layers as shown reflects a particularimplementation for the described or illustrated example and a differentrelative positioning relationship or sequence of arranging the layersmay be possible.

Prior to explaining implementations of the present disclosure, asemiconductor memory in accordance with a comparative example will beexplained.

FIGS. 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views illustrating a semiconductormemory and a method for fabricating the same in accordance with oneexample where a variable resistance element 10 is formed to have apillar shape having a tilted profile rather than a vertical profile.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a material layer 12 for an under layer may beformed over a substrate 11 where a predetermined structure (not shown)is formed.

A material layer 13 for a free layer, a material layer 14 for a tunnelbarrier layer and a material layer 15 for a pinned layer may besequentially formed over the material layer 12 for the under layer.

A material layer 16 for an upper layer may be formed over the materiallayer 15 for the pinned layer.

A hard mask pattern 17 may be formed over the material layer 16 for theupper layer. The hard mask pattern 17 may be formed by forming amaterial layer for the hard mask pattern 17 and a photoresist pattern(not shown) over the material layer 16 for the upper layer and etchingthe material layer for the hard mask pattern 17 using the photoresistpattern as an etch barrier.

The material layer 16 for the upper layer, the material layer 15 for thepinned layer, the material layer 14 for the tunnel barrier layer, thematerial layer 13 for the free layer and the material layer 12 for theunder layer may be sequentially etched by using the hard mask pattern 17as an etch barrier.

The etch process may be performed by using a suitable etching techniquesuch as an ion beam etch (IBE) process or a reactive ion etch (RIE)process. In accordance with the exemplary fabrication method as shown inFIGS. 1A to 1C, when forming a variable resistance element (see thereference numeral 10 of FIG. 1B), all layers forming the variableresistance element 10 are deposited before starting the etch process andthen the deposited layers are simultaneously etched by a single etchprocess. However, since the layers to be etched, that is, the materiallayer 16 for the upper layer, the material layer 15 for the pinnedlayer, the material layer 14 for the tunnel barrier layer, the materiallayer 13 for the free layer and the material layer 12 for the underlayer have different etch rates from one another due to differentthicknesses and materials, the variable resistance element 10 obtainedafter the etch process has an oblique sidewall instead of a verticalsidewall that is perpendicular to the surface of any layer of thevariable resistance element 10.

Referring to FIG. 1B, after the etch process, the variable resistanceelement 10 may be provided to include an under layer 12′, a free layer13′, a tunnel barrier layer 14′, a pinned layer 15′ and an upper layer16′. The free layer 13′, the tunnel barrier layer 14′ and the pinnedlayer 15′ may form a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure. Asdescribed above, the variable resistance element 10 may be formed tohave a sidewall which forms an oblique angle to the surface of thelayers of the variable resistance element 10. The sidewall of thevariable resistance element 10 is disposed at an angle that is notperpendicular with respect to the surface of any layer of the variableresistance element. In some implementations, the variable resistanceelement 10 has a trapezoid shape having an inclined profile.

Referring to FIG. 1C, a passivation layer 18 may be formed on a sidewallof the variable resistance element 10 by performing a passivationprocess and a surface cleaning process to the variable resistanceelement 10.

In accordance with the variable resistance element 10 obtained throughthe fabrication method as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the variableresistance element 10 is formed to have a sidewall forming anon-perpendicular angle with respect to the surface of any layer of thevariable resistance element 10. In some implementations, the sidewall ofthe variable resistance element may have a tilted profile rather than avertical profile. With the non-perpendicular profile of the sidewall,magnetic characteristics of the free layer 13′ and the pinned layer 15′may be deteriorated and thus, an electrical characteristic of thevariable resistance element 10 may be deteriorated.

Moreover, in accordance with the variable resistance element 10 obtainedthrough the fabrication method as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, since alllayers forming the variable resistance element 10 are etched at one timethrough the single etch process, an etch time for forming the variableresistance element 10 can be increased to be sufficiently long to etchall the layers. If the etch time increases, an undesired deposition ofetch byproducts may occur as the etch process proceeds. For example,when the etch process proceeds from the top, the top layer is etchedfirst and the byproducts of the top layer may deposit again during aremaining etch process. In some implementations, the etch byproductsresulting from a portion of an etch target may be redeposited on theetched surface. For example, the etch byproducts may be redeposited on asidewall of the variable resistance element 10 after pattering thevariable resistance element 10. For example, metals included in theunder layer 12′ or other byproducts may be redeposited on a sidewall ofthe free layer 13′ or the tunnel barrier layer 14′ to cause leakagecurrent, thereby deteriorating characteristics of the variableresistance element 10.

In accordance with an implementation of the disclosed technology, asemiconductor memory and its fabricating method are provided to includea variable resistance element with an improved characteristic. In someimplementations, the disclosed technology provides the semiconductormemory which can control a stress applied to a layer of the variableresistance element. By controlling the stress applied to the layer, itis possible to improve a magnetic characteristic of a desired layer ofthe variable resistance element. In some implementations, the disclosedtechnology provides the semiconductor memory where different stressesare applied to the layers forming the variable resistance element. Insome implementations, the disclosed technology provides thesemiconductor memory including the variable resistance element having asubstantially vertical.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional views illustrating an exemplarysemiconductor memory in accordance with an implementation of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, a semiconductor memory in accordance with animplementation of the disclosed technology may include variableresistance element 100 disposed over a substrate 101, a first protectivelayer 108 disposed on a lower sidewall of the variable resistanceelement 100 and a second protective layer 115 disposed on an uppersidewall of the variable resistance element 100. In someimplementations, the first protective layer 108 and the secondprotective layer 115 are structured to cover an entire sidewall of thevariable resistance element 100. Some implementations of the disclosedtechnology provide the semiconductor memory as shown in FIG. 2 throughthe fabrication processes including two-step etch processes as will bediscussed with FIGS. 3A to 3H.

The variable resistance element 100 may include a free layer 104′, apinned layer 109′ and a tunnel barrier layer 105′. The free layer 104′,the pinned layer 109′ and the tunnel barrier layer 105′ collectivelyform part of a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) structure in which thefree layer 104 ′ is structured to exhibit a variable magnetizationdirection that can be changed to produce different magnetization statesfor the MTJ structure, the pinned layer 109′ is structured to exhibit afixed magnetization direction (which may also be referred to as areference layer) and the tunnel barrier layer 105′ is interposed betweenthe free layer 104′ and the pinned layer 109′ to allow the tunneling ofelectrons in both data reading and data writing operations.

The free layer 104′ may have a variable magnetization direction thatchanges between different directions to cause the MTJ structure to havea variable resistance value. With the change of the magnetizationdirection of the free layer 104′ , the relative relationship of themagnetization directions of the free layer 104′ and the pinned layer109′ also changes, which allows the variable resistance element 100 tostore different data or represent different data bits. The free layer104′ may also be referred as a storage layer or the like. Themagnetization direction of the free layer 104′ may be substantiallyperpendicular to a surface of the free layer 104′ , the tunnel barrierlayer 105′ and the pinned layer 109′. In other words, the magnetizationdirection of the free layer 104′ may be substantially parallel tostacking directions of the free layer 104′ , the tunnel barrier layer105′ and the pinned layer 109′. Therefore, the magnetization directionof the free layer 104′ may be changed between a downward direction andan upward direction. The change in the magnetization direction of thefree layer 104′ may be induced by spin transfer torque.

The free layer 104′ may have a single-layer or multilayer structureincluding a ferromagnetic material. For example, the free layer 104′ mayinclude an alloy based on Fe, Ni or Co, for example, an Fe—Pt alloy, anFe—Pd alloy, a Co—Pd alloy, a Co—Pt alloy, an Fe—Ni—Pt alloy, a Co—Fe—Ptalloy, a Co—Ni—Pt alloy, or a Co—Fe—B alloy, or others, or may include astack of metals, such as Co/Pt, or Co/Pd, or others.

The tunnel barrier layer 105′ may allow the tunneling of electrons inboth data reading and data writing operations. In a write operation forstoring new data, a high write current may be directed through thetunnel barrier layer 105′ to change the magnetization direction of thefree layer 104′ and thus to change the resistance state of the MTJ forwriting a new data bit. In a reading operation, a low reading currentmay be directed through the tunnel barrier layer 105′ without changingthe magnetization direction of the free layer 104′ to measure theexisting resistance state of the MTJ under the existing magnetizationdirection of the free layer 104′ to read the stored data bit in the MTJ.The tunnel barrier layer 105′ may include a dielectric oxide, forexample, an oxide such as MgO, CaO, SrO, TiO, VO, or NbO or others.

The pinned layer 109′ may have a fixed magnetization direction whichcontrasts with the magnetization direction of the free layer 104′ , andmay be referred to as a reference layer or the like. In someimplementations, the magnetization direction of the pinned layer 109′may be pinned in a downward direction. In some implementations, themagnetization direction of the pinned layer 109′ may be pinned in anupward direction.

The pinned layer 109′ may have a single-layer or multilayer structureincluding a ferromagnetic material. For example, the pinned layer 109′may include an alloy based on Fe, Ni or Co, for example, an Fe—Pt alloy,an Fe—Pd alloy, a Co—Pd alloy, a Co—Pt alloy, an Fe—Ni—Pt alloy, aCo—Fe—Pt alloy, a Co—Ni—Pt alloy, or a Co—Fe—B alloy or the like, or mayinclude a stack of metals, such as Co/Pt, or Co/Pd or the like.

If a voltage or current is applied to the variable resistance element100, the magnetization direction of the free layer 104′ may be changedby spin torque transfer. When the magnetization directions of the freelayer 104′ and the pinned layer 109′ are parallel to each other, thevariable resistance element 100 may be in a low resistance state tostore a particular designated digital data bit such as ‘0’. Conversely,when the magnetization directions of the free layer 104′ and the pinnedlayer 109′ are anti-parallel to each other, the variable resistanceelement 100 may be in a high resistance state to store a differentdesignated digital data bit such as ‘1’. In some implementations, thevariable resistance element 100 can be configured to store data bit ‘1’when the magnetization directions of the free layer 104′ and the pinnedlayer 109′ are parallel to each other and to store data bit ‘0’ when themagnetization directions of the free layer 104′ and the pinned layer109′ are anti-parallel to each other.

In some implementations, the variable resistance element 100 may furtherinclude one or more layers performing various functions to improve acharacteristic of the MTJ structure. For example, the variableresistance element 100 may further include a buffer layer 102′, an underlayer 103′, a first capping layer 106′, a pinning layer 110′, a spacerlayer 111′, a magnetic correction layer 112′ and a second capping layer113′.

The buffer layer 102′ may be disposed under the under layer 103′ and aidin crystal growth of the under layer 103′. When the buffer layer 102′ isformed under the under layer 103′, it is possible to aid in crystalgrowth of the under layer 103′ and thus improve perpendicular magneticcrystalline anisotropy of the free layer 104′. The buffer layer 102′ mayhave a single-layer or multilayer structure including a metal, a metalalloy, a metal nitride, or a metal oxide, or a combination thereof.

The under layer 103′ may be disposed under the free layer 104′ and serveto improve perpendicular magnetic crystalline anisotropy of the freelayer 104′. The under layer 103′ may have a single-layer or multilayerstructure including a metal, a metal alloy, a metal nitride, or a metaloxide, or a combination thereof. The buffer layer 102′ may be formed ofa material having excellent compatibility with a lower electrode (notshown) in order to overcome a lattice constant mismatch between thelower electrode (not shown) and the under layer 103′. For example, thebuffer layer 102′ may include tantalum (Ta).

The first capping layer 106′ may serve to protect layers disposed belowthe first capping layer 106′ and function as a part of a hard mask in afirst etch process of the two-step process for patterning the MTJstructure. The two-step process for pattering the MTJ structure, whichinclude first and second etch processes, will be discussed in detailwith reference to FIGS. 3A to 3H. The first capping layer 106′ may havea single-layer or multilayer structure including a conductive materialsuch as a metal, a metal nitride or others.

The pinning layer 110′ may serve to fix a magnetization direction of thepinned layer 109′ in one direction. The pinning layer 110′ may includean antiferromagnetic material such as FeMn, IrMn, NiMn, or PtMn, orothers.

The magnetic correction layer 112′ may serve to offset or reduce aninfluence of a stray field generated by the pinned layer 109′ so as toreduce a bias magnetic field in the free layer 104′ due to the strayfield of the pinned layer 109′. For this purpose, the magneticcorrection layer 112′ may have a magnetization direction opposite tothat of the pinned layer 109′. For example, when the pinned layer 109′has a downward magnetization direction, the magnetic correction layer112′ may have an upward magnetization direction. When the pinned layer109′ has an upward magnetization direction, the magnetic correctionlayer 112′ may have a downward magnetization direction. The magneticcorrection layer 112′ may have a single-layer or multilayer structureincluding a ferromagnetic material.

In this implementation, the magnetic correction layer 112′ is locatedabove the pinned layer 109′, but the position of the magnetic correctionlayer 112′ may be changed. For example, the magnetic correction layer112′ may also be located above, below, or next to the MTJ structurewhile it is patterned separately from the MTJ structure.

The spacer layer 111′ may be interposed between the magnetic correctionlayer 112′ and the pinned layer 109′ and function as a buffer betweenthe magnetic correction layer 112′ and the pinned layer 109′. The spacerlayer 111′ may serve to improve characteristics of the magneticcorrection layer 112′. The spacer layer 111′ may include a noble metalsuch as ruthenium (Ru).

The second capping layer 113′ may serve to protect layers disposed belowthe second capping layer 113′ and function as a part of a hard mask in asecond etch process during a two-step process for patterning the MTJstructure. Further, the second capping layer 113′ may be disposed at atop of the variable resistance element 100 and function as an upperelectrode of the variable resistance element 100. The second cappinglayer 113′ may have a single-layer or multilayer structure including aconductive material such as a metal or others. In some implementations,the second capping layer 113′ may include a metallic material havingalmost none or a small number of pin holes and high resistance to wetand/or dry etching. For example, the second capping layer 113′ mayinclude a noble metal such as ruthenium (Ru).

In the variable resistance element 100 in accordance with the aboveimplementation, the free layer 104′ is formed below the pinned layer109′. Other implementations are also possible such that the free layer104′ can be formed above the pinned layer 109′.

In the implementation as shown in FIG. 2, the variable resistanceelement 100, which are formed through the two-step process, has asubstantially vertical profile as compared to the memory devicefabricated through the method shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. The sidewall ofthe variable resistance element 100 is substantially perpendicular tothe surface of any one of the layers of the variable resistance element100. The right angle formed between the sidewall of the variableresistance element 100 and the surface of any layer of the variableresistance element 100 is distinguished from the oblique angle formedbetween the sidewall of the variable resistance element 10 and thesurface of any layer of the variable resistance element 10 as shown inFIG. 1C. With the substantially perpendicular sidewall of the variableresistance element 100, it is possible to prevent volume deformation ofmagnetic layers such as the free layer 104′ and the pinned layer 109′,thereby improving magnetic characteristics of the magnetic layers. As aresult, it is possible to prevent or minimize deterioration ofelectrical characteristics of the variable resistance element 100.

The semiconductor memory in accordance with the implementation of thedisclosed technology may include the first protective layer 108 and thesecond protective layer 115, which are formed on a sidewall of thevariable resistance element 100.

The first protective layer 108 and the second protective layer 115 canapply stresses in a direction perpendicular to a stacked direction ofthe layers included in the variable resistance element 100. The firstprotective layer 108 and the second protective layer 115 can applystresses in different directions from each other. The first protectivelayer 108 and the second protective layer 115 are formed on differentportions of the sidewalls of the variable resistance element 100. Thefirst protective layer 108 and the second protective layer 115 areformed to surround different layers of the variable resistance element100 and apply stresses to the different layers surrounded by the firstprotective layer 108 and the second protective layer 115. For example,one of the first protective layer 108 and the second protective layer115 can apply a compressive stress and the other of the first protectivelayer 108 and the second protective layer 115 can apply a tensilestress. The first protective layer 108 and the second protective layer115 may apply a desired stress to the layer(s) surrounded by the firstprotective layer 108 and the second protective layer 115. For example,the first protective layer 108 and the second protective layer 115 canapply a compressive stress or a tensile stress to improve a magneticcharacteristic of a desired layer among the layers included in thevariable resistance element 100.

The first protective layer 108 may be formed on a sidewall of a part ofthe variable resistance element 100. In some implementations, the firstprotective layer 108 may be formed on sidewalls of or including at leastof the free layer 104′ and the tunnel barrier layer 105′. In someimplementations, the first protective layer 108 may be formed onsidewalls of or including at least of the free layer 104′, the tunnelbarrier layer 105′ and the first capping layer 106′. In someimplementations, the first protective layer 108 may be formed onsidewalls of or including at least of the buffer layer 102′, the underlayer 103′, the free layer 104′, the tunnel barrier layer 105′ and thefirst capping layer 106′.

The first protective layer 108 may apply a compressive stress to a partof the variable resistance element 100, for example, the free layer104′. The compressive stress applied to the free layer 104′ by the firstprotective layer 108 may act in a direction to allow a lattice constantof the free layer 104′ to be reduced, thereby improving magneticcharacteristics of the free layer 104′. It is possible to increasecrystallinity of the free layer 104′ by applying the compressive stressto the free layer 104′ to reduce the lattice constant of the free layer104′. Since the characteristics of the free layer 104′ may depends onthe crystallinity, improved crystallinity can result in improvedmagnetic characteristics of the free layer 104′.

The first protective layer 108 may include a material capable ofapplying a compressive stress to at least a part of the variableresistance element 100. In some implementations, the first protectivelayer 108 may include an oxide layer, a nitride layer, or a hydrogenlayer, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the firstprotective layer 108 may be a passivation layer that is formed by apassivation process.

The second protective layer 115 may be formed on a sidewall of at leasta part of the variable resistance element 100. In some implementations,the second protective layer 115 may be formed on a sidewall of orincluding the pinned layer 109′. In some implementations, the secondprotective layer 115 may be formed on sidewalls of or including thepinned layer 109′ and the pinning layer 110′. In some implementations,the second protective layer 115 may be formed on sidewalls of orincluding the pinned layer 109′, the pinning layer 110′, the spacerlayer 111′, the magnetic correction layer 112′ and the second cappinglayer 113′.

The second protective layer 115 may apply a tensile stress to at least apart of the variable resistance element 100. For example, the secondprotective layer 115 may apply a tensile stress to the pinned layer109′. For example, the second protective layer 115 may apply a tensilestress to the pinned layer 109′ and the pinning layer 110′. The tensilestress applied to the pinned layer 109′ and the pinning layer 110′ mayaffect characteristics related to a shape anisotropy such as aperpendicular magnetic anisotropy, thereby improving characteristics ofthe variable resistance element 100.

The second protective layer 115 may include a material capable ofapplying a tensile stress to at least a part of the variable resistanceelement 100. In some implementations, the second protective layer 115may include an oxide layer, a nitride layer, or a hydrogen layer, or acombination thereof. In some implementations, the second protectivelayer 115 may be a passivation layer that is formed by a passivationprocess.

As such, the first protective layer 108 may apply a compressive stressto the free layer 104′, while the second protective layer 115 may applya tensile stress to pinned layer 109′ (or the pinned layer 109′ and thepinning layer 110′).

In the implementation, stresses can be applied to the layers included inthe variable resistance element 100 by the first protective layer 108and the second protective layer 115. The stresses applied to the layersof the variable resistance element 100 can be adjusted, for example, tohave a desirable direction to improve a magnetic characteristic of thelayers of the variable resistance element 100. Accordingly, magneticcharacteristics of the variable resistance element 100 can be improvedby applying different stresses to each of the free layer 104′ and pinnedlayer 109′ of the variable resistance element 100, not by changing eachmaterial forming the free layer 104′ and pinned layer 109′.

In the semiconductor memory in accordance with the above implementation,the first protective layer 108 applies a compressive stress to a part ofthe variable resistance element 100 including the free layer 104′, andthe second protective layer 115 applies a tensile stress to a part ofthe variable resistance element 100 including the pinned layer 109′ (orincluding the pinned layer 109′ and the pinning layer 110′). Otherimplementations are also possible such that the first protective layer108 and the second protective layer 115 can be designed to apply astress, for example, a compressive stress or a tensile stress, to adifferent layer of the variable resistance element 100 to change orimprove the properties of the different layer. Thus, the layers of thevariable resistance element 100, to which the stresses are applied bythe first protective layer 108 and the second protective layer 115, arenot limited to the free layer 104 , the pinned layer 109′.

On the other hand, in the variable resistance element 100 in accordancewith this implementation, the free layer 104′ is formed under the pinnedlayer 109′, while the implementation may be also applied in case thatthe free layer 104′ is formed over the pinned layer 109′. When the freelayer 104′ is formed over the pinned layer 109′, the second protectivelayer 115 may be formed on sidewalls of or including the free layer 104′and apply a compressive stress to a part of the variable resistanceelement 100, for example, the free layer 104′, while the firstprotective layer 108 may be formed on sidewalls of or including thepinned layer 109′ and apply a tensile stress to a part of the variableresistance element 100, for example, the pinned layer 109′.

Hereinafter, a method for fabricating a semiconductor memory inaccordance with an implementation of the present disclosure will bedescribed.

FIGS. 3A to 3H are cross-sectional views illustrating an exemplarysemiconductor memory and a method for fabricating the same in accordancewith an implementation of the present disclosure. A detailed descriptionfor substantially the same parts as the above implementation of FIG. 2is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a substrate 101 in which a predetermined structure(not shown) may be provided. The predetermined structure may include aswitch or switching circuit/element, for example, a transistor or adiode, for controlling an access to a particular variable resistanceelement (see the reference numeral 100 of FIG. 3H), or a contact plugfor coupling the variable resistance element 100 to the switch orswitching circuit/element, or the like. The substrate 101 may be orinclude a semiconductor substrate.

Material layers 102 to 106 may be formed over the substrate 101 and forma first portion (a first stack structure) of the variable resistanceelement 100. In this implementation, the material layers 102 to 106 mayinclude a material layer 102 for a buffer layer, a material layer 103for an under layer, a material layer 104 for a free layer, a materiallayer 105 for a tunnel barrier layer and a material layer 106 for afirst capping layer, which are sequentially stacked.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a first hard mask pattern 107 may be formed overthe material layer 106 for the first capping layer.

The first hard mask pattern 107 may be formed by forming a materiallayer for the first hard mask pattern 107 and a photoresist pattern (notshown) over the material layer 106 for the first capping layer andetching the material layer for the first hard mask pattern 107 using thephotoresist pattern as an etch barrier.

The material layer 106 for the first capping layer, the material layer105 for the tunnel barrier layer, the material layer 104 for the freelayer, the material layer 103 for the under layer and the material layer102 for the buffer layer may be etched using the first hard mask pattern107 as an etch barrier. The etch process may be performed by a suitabletechnique, for example, an ion beam etch (IBE) process or a reactive ionetch (RIE) process.

Referring to FIG. 3C, a first stack structure in which a buffer layer102′, an under layer 103′, a free layer 104′, a tunnel barrier layer105′ and a first capping layer 106′ are sequentially stacked may beformed over the substrate 101. The first stack structure may correspondto a lower structure included in the variable resistance element 100.

The first hard mask pattern 107 may be removed during this etch processor by a separate removing process.

In the above implementation, the first capping layer 106′ remains. Otherimplementations are also possible such that the first capping layer 106′is removed during this etch process or by a separate removing process.

Referring to FIG. 3D, a first protective layer 108 may be formed on asidewall of the first stack structure by performing a passivationprocess and a surface cleaning process to the first stack structureincluding the buffer layer 102′, the under layer 103′, the free layer104′, the tunnel barrier layer 105′ and the first capping layer 106′.

The first protective layer 108 may be formed of or include a materialcapable of applying a compressive stress to at least a part of thevariable resistance element 100, for example, the free layer 104′. Thepassivation process for forming the first protective layer 108 may beperformed using an oxide, a nitride, or hydrogen, or a combinationthereof.

Referring to FIG. 3E, material layers 109 to 113 for forming a secondportion (a second stack structure) may be formed over the first stackstructure including the first capping layer 106′ and the firstprotective layer 108. In this implementation, the material layers 109 to113 may include a material layer 109 for a pinned layer, a materiallayer 110 for a pinning layer, a material layer 111 for a spacer layer,a material layer 112 for a magnetic correction layer and a materiallayer 113 for a second capping layer, which are sequentially stacked.

Referring to FIG. 3F, a second hard mask pattern 114 may be formed overthe material layer 113 for the second capping layer. The second hardmask pattern 114 may be formed by using the same method as that forforming a first hard mask pattern 107.

The material layer 113 for the second capping layer, the material layer112 for the magnetic correction layer, the material layer 111 for thespacer layer, the material layer 110 for the pinning layer and thematerial layer 109 for the pinned layer may be etched using the secondhard mask pattern 114 as an etch barrier. The etch process may beperformed by a suitable technique such as an ion beam etch (IBE) processor a reactive ion etch (RIE) process.

The second hard mask pattern 114 may be removed during this etch processor by a separate removing process.

In the above implementation, a second etch process is performed usingthe second hard mask pattern 114. In other implementations, instead offorming the second hard mask pattern 114, a second capping layer (seethe reference numeral 113′ of FIG. 3G) may be formed by patterning thematerial layer 113 for the second capping layer and then the second etchprocess may be performed using the second capping layer 113′ as a hardmask.

Referring to FIG. 3G, the second stack structure in which a pinned layer109′, a pinning layer 110′, a spacer layer 111′, a magnetic correctionlayer 112′ and a second capping layer 113′ are sequentially stacked maybe formed over the first capping layer 106′. The second stack structuremay correspond to an upper structure included in the variable resistanceelement 100.

Referring to FIG. 3H, a second protective layer 115 may be formed on asidewall of the second stack structure by performing a passivationprocess and a surface cleaning process to the second stack structureincluding the pinned layer 109′, the pinning layer 110′, the spacerlayer 111′, the magnetic correction layer 112′ and the second cappinglayer 113′.

The second protective layer 115 may be formed of or include a materialcapable of applying a tensile stress to at least a part of the variableresistance element 100, for example, the pinned layer 109′ (or thepinned layer 109′ and the pinning layer 110′). The passivation processfor forming the second protective layer 115 may be performed using anoxide, a nitride, or hydrogen, or a combination thereof.

In the implementation, in patterning the variable resistance element100, the etch process may be performed twice by two different steps. Forexample, the first etch process is performed for a lower portion and thesecond etch process is performed for an upper portion. As compared tothe conventional variable resistance element provided by performing oneetching process etching all layers at once, by performing two separateetching processes for forming the variable resistance element 100, theheight to be etched at one time can be reduced and a difference in anetch rate depending on materials of the layers to be etched can bereduced. Therefore, it is possible to form a profile of the variableresistance element 100 closer to a vertical shape compared to thevariable resistance element provided with only one etching process. As aresult, a volume deformation of magnetic layers included in the variableresistance element 100 can be prevented so as to improve magneticcharacteristics of the variable resistance element 100.

Also, since an etch time for performing each etch process can bereduced, it is possible to prevent deterioration of characteristics ofthe variable resistance element 100 due to redeposition of etchbyproducts which occurs as the etch time is increased.

Further, by performing an individual passivation process to each of thefirst stack structure and the second stack structure of the variableresistance element 100, two different stresses can be applied to theupper portion and the lower portion of the variable resistance element100, respectively. For example, the first protective layer 108 can applya compressive stress to the free layer 104′, and the second protectivelayer 115 can apply a tensile stress to the pinned layer 109′ and thepinning layer 110′. Therefore, it is possible to affect a crystallinestructure of the magnetic layers, in particular so as to reduce alattice constant of the free layer 104′, thereby improvingcharacteristics of the variable resistance element 100.

The above and other memory circuits or semiconductor devices based onthe disclosed technology can be used in a range of devices or systems.FIGS. 4 to 8 provide some examples of devices or systems that canimplement the memory circuits disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is an example of configuration diagram of a microprocessorimplementing memory circuitry based on the disclosed technology.

Referring to FIG. 4, a microprocessor 1000 may perform tasks forcontrolling and tuning a series of processes of receiving data fromvarious external devices, processing the data, and outputting processingresults to external devices. The microprocessor 1000 may include amemory unit 1010, an operation unit 1020, a control unit 1030, and soon. The microprocessor 1000 may be various data processing units such asa central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), adigital signal processor (DSP) and an application processor (AP).

The memory unit 1010 is a part which stores data in the microprocessor1000, as a processor register, register or the like. The memory unit1010 may include a data register, an address register, a floating pointregister and so on. Besides, the memory unit 1010 may include variousregisters. The memory unit 1010 may perform the function of temporarilystoring data for which operations are to be performed by the operationunit 1020, result data of performing the operations and addresses wheredata for performing of the operations are stored.

The memory unit 1010 may include one or more of the above-describedsemiconductor devices in accordance with the implementations. Forexample, the memory unit 1010 may include a variable resistance elementincluding a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) structure including a freelayer having a variable magnetization direction, a pinned layer having afixed magnetization direction and a tunnel barrier layer interposedbetween the free layer and the pinned layer; a first protective layerdisposed on a lower sidewall of the variable resistance element; and asecond protective layer disposed on an upper sidewall of the variableresistance element, wherein any one layer of the first protective layerand the second protective layer may apply a compressive stress to thevariable resistance element, and the other layer applies a tensilestress to the variable resistance element. Through this, data storagecharacteristics of the memory unit 1010 may be improved. As aconsequence, operating characteristics of the microprocessor 1000 may beimproved.

The operation unit 1020 may perform four arithmetical operations orlogical operations according to results that the control unit 1030decodes commands. The operation unit 1020 may include at least onearithmetic logic unit (ALU) and so on.

The control unit 1030 may receive signals from the memory unit 1010, theoperation unit 1020 and an external device of the microprocessor 1000,perform extraction, decoding of commands, and controlling input andoutput of signals of the microprocessor 1000, and execute processingrepresented by programs.

The microprocessor 1000 according to this implementation mayadditionally include a cache memory unit 1040 which can temporarilystore data to be inputted from an external device other than the memoryunit 1010 or to be outputted to an external device. In this case, thecache memory unit 1040 may exchange data with the memory unit 1010, theoperation unit 1020 and the control unit 1030 through a bus interface1050.

FIG. 5 is an example of configuration diagram of a processorimplementing memory circuitry based on an implementation of thedisclosed technology.

Referring to FIG. 5, a processor 1100 may improve performance andrealize multi-functionality by including various functions other thanthose of a microprocessor which performs tasks for controlling andtuning a series of processes of receiving data from various externaldevices, processing the data, and outputting processing results toexternal devices. The processor 1100 may include a core unit 1110 whichserves as the microprocessor, a cache memory unit 1120 which serves tostoring data temporarily, and a bus interface 1130 for transferring databetween internal and external devices. The processor 1100 may includevarious system-on-chips (SoCs) such as a multi-core processor, a graphicprocessing unit (GPU) and an application processor (AP).

The core unit 1110 of this implementation is a part which performsarithmetic logic operations for data inputted from an external device,and may include a memory unit 1111, an operation unit 1112 and a controlunit 1113.

The memory unit 1111 is a part which stores data in the processor 1100,as a processor register, a register or the like. The memory unit 1111may include a data register, an address register, a floating pointregister and so on. Besides, the memory unit 1111 may include variousregisters. The memory unit 1111 may perform the function of temporarilystoring data for which operations are to be performed by the operationunit 1112, result data of performing the operations and addresses wheredata for performing of the operations are stored. The operation unit1112 is a part which performs operations in the processor 1100. Theoperation unit 1112 may perform four arithmetical operations, logicaloperations, according to results that the control unit 1113 decodescommands, or the like. The operation unit 1112 may include at least onearithmetic logic unit (ALU) and so on. The control unit 1113 may receivesignals from the memory unit 1111, the operation unit 1112 and anexternal device of the processor 1100, perform extraction, decoding ofcommands, controlling input and output of signals of processor 1100, andexecute processing represented by programs.

The cache memory unit 1120 is a part which temporarily stores data tocompensate for a difference in data processing speed between the coreunit 1110 operating at a high speed and an external device operating ata low speed. The cache memory unit 1120 may include a primary storagesection 1121, a secondary storage section 1122 and a tertiary storagesection 1123. In general, the cache memory unit 1120 includes theprimary and secondary storage sections 1121 and 1122, and may includethe tertiary storage section 1123 in the case where high storagecapacity is required. As the occasion demands, the cache memory unit1120 may include an increased number of storage sections. That is tosay, the number of storage sections which are included in the cachememory unit 1120 may be changed according to a design. The speeds atwhich the primary, secondary and tertiary storage sections 1121, 1122and 1123 store and discriminate data may be the same or different. Inthe case where the speeds of the respective storage sections 1121, 1122and 1123 are different, the speed of the primary storage section 1121may be largest. At least one storage section of the primary storagesection 1121, the secondary storage section 1122 and the tertiarystorage section 1123 of the cache memory unit 1120 may include one ormore of the above-described semiconductor devices in accordance with theimplementations. For example, the cache memory unit 1120 may include avariable resistance element including a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ)structure including a free layer having a variable magnetizationdirection, a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction and atunnel barrier layer interposed between the free layer and the pinnedlayer; a first protective layer disposed on a lower sidewall of thevariable resistance element; and a second protective layer disposed onan upper sidewall of the variable resistance element, wherein any onelayer of the first protective layer and the second protective layer mayapply a compressive stress to the variable resistance element, and theother layer applies a tensile stress to the variable resistance element.Through this, data storage characteristics of the cache memory unit 1120may be improved. As a consequence, operating characteristics of theprocessor 1100 may be improved.

Although it was shown in FIG. 5 that all the primary, secondary andtertiary storage sections 1121, 1122 and 1123 are configured inside thecache memory unit 1120, it is to be noted that all the primary,secondary and tertiary storage sections 1121, 1122 and 1123 of the cachememory unit 1120 may be configured outside the core unit 1110 and maycompensate for a difference in data processing speed between the coreunit 1110 and the external device. Meanwhile, it is to be noted that theprimary storage section 1121 of the cache memory unit 1120 may bedisposed inside the core unit 1110 and the secondary storage section1122 and the tertiary storage section 1123 may be configured outside thecore unit 1110 to strengthen the function of compensating for adifference in data processing speed. In another implementation, theprimary and secondary storage sections 1121, 1122 may be disposed insidethe core units 1110 and tertiary storage sections 1123 may be disposedoutside core units 1110.

The bus interface 1130 is a part which connects the core unit 1110, thecache memory unit 1120 and external device and allows data to beefficiently transmitted.

The processor 1100 according to this implementation may include aplurality of core units 1110 , and the plurality of core units 1110 mayshare the cache memory unit 1120. The plurality of core units 1110 andthe cache memory unit 1120 may be directly connected or be connectedthrough the bus interface 1130. The plurality of core units 1110 may beconfigured in the same way as the above-described configuration of thecore unit 1110. In the case where the processor 1100 includes theplurality of core unit 1110, the primary storage section 1121 of thecache memory unit 1120 may be configured in each core unit 1110 incorrespondence to the number of the plurality of core units 1110 , andthe secondary storage section 1122 and the tertiary storage section 1123may be configured outside the plurality of core units 1110 in such a wayas to be shared through the bus interface 1130. The processing speed ofthe primary storage section 1121 may be larger than the processingspeeds of the secondary and tertiary storage section 1122 and 1123. Inanother implementation, the primary storage section 1121 and thesecondary storage section 1122 may be configured in each core unit 1110in correspondence to the number of the plurality of core units 1110 ,and the tertiary storage section 1123 may be configured outside theplurality of core units 1110 in such a way as to be shared through thebus interface 1130.

The processor 1100 according to this implementation may further includean embedded memory unit 1140 which stores data, a communication moduleunit 1150 which can transmit and receive data to and from an externaldevice in a wired or wireless manner, a memory control unit 1160 whichdrives an external memory device, and a media processing unit 1170 whichprocesses the data processed in the processor 1100 or the data inputtedfrom an external input device and outputs the processed data to anexternal interface device and so on. Besides, the processor 1100 mayinclude a plurality of various modules and devices. In this case, theplurality of modules which are added may exchange data with the coreunits 1110 and the cache memory unit 1120 and with one another, throughthe bus interface 1130.

The embedded memory unit 1140 may include not only a volatile memory butalso a nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory may include a DRAM(dynamic random access memory), a mobile DRAM, an SRAM (static randomaccess memory), and a memory with similar functions to above mentionedmemories, and so on. The nonvolatile memory may include a ROM (read onlymemory), a NOR flash memory, a NAND flash memory, a phase change randomaccess memory (PRAM), a resistive random access memory (RRAM), a spintransfer torque random access memory (STTRAM), a magnetic random accessmemory (MRAM), a memory with similar functions.

The communication module unit 1150 may include a module capable of beingconnected with a wired network, a module capable of being connected witha wireless network and both of them. The wired network module mayinclude a local area network (LAN), a universal serial bus (USB), anEthernet, power line communication (PLC) such as various devices whichsend and receive data through transmit lines, and so on. The wirelessnetwork module may include Infrared Data Association (IrDA), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),frequency division multiple access (FDMA), a wireless LAN, Zigbee, aubiquitous sensor network (USN), Bluetooth, radio frequencyidentification (RFID), long term evolution (LTE), near fieldcommunication (NFC), a wireless broadband Internet (Wibro), high speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), ultra wideband(UWB) such as various devices which send and receive data withouttransmit lines, and so on.

The memory control unit 1160 is to administrate and process datatransmitted between the processor 1100 and an external storage deviceoperating according to a different communication standard. The memorycontrol unit 1160 may include various memory controllers, for example,devices which may control IDE (Integrated Device Electronics), SATA(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment), SCSI (Small Computer SystemInterface), RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), an SSD (solidstate disk), eSATA (External SATA), PCMCIA (Personal Computer MemoryCard International Association), a USB (universal serial bus), a securedigital (SD) card, a mini secure digital (mSD) card, a micro securedigital (micro SD) card, a secure digital high capacity (SDHC) card, amemory stick card, a smart media (SM) card, a multimedia card (MMC), anembedded MMC (eMMC), a compact flash (CF) card, and so on.

The media processing unit 1170 may process the data processed in theprocessor 1100 or the data inputted in the forms of image, voice andothers from the external input device and output the data to theexternal interface device. The media processing unit 1170 may include agraphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a highdefinition audio device (HD audio), a high definition multimediainterface (HDMI) controller, and so on.

FIG. 6 is an example of configuration diagram of a system implementingmemory circuitry based on an implementation of the disclosed technology.

Referring to FIG. 6, a system 1200 as an apparatus for processing datamay perform input, processing, output, communication, storage, etc. toconduct a series of manipulations for data. The system 1200 may includea processor 1210, a main memory device 1220, an auxiliary memory device1230, an interface device 1240, and so on. The system 1200 of thisimplementation may be various electronic systems which operate usingprocessors, such as a computer, a server, a PDA (personal digitalassistant), a portable computer, a web tablet, a wireless phone, amobile phone, a smart phone, a digital music player, a PMP (portablemultimedia player), a camera, a global positioning system (GPS), a videocamera, a voice recorder, a telematics, an audio visual (AV) system, asmart television, and so on.

The processor 1210 may decode inputted commands and processes operation,comparison, etc. for the data stored in the system 1200, and controlsthese operations. The processor 1210 may include a microprocessor unit(MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), a single/multi-core processor, agraphic processing unit (GPU), an application processor (AP), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), and so on.

The main memory device 1220 is a storage which can temporarily store,call and execute program codes or data from the auxiliary memory device1230 when programs are executed and can conserve memorized contents evenwhen power supply is cut off. The main memory device 1220 may include avariable resistance element including a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ)structure including a free layer having a variable magnetizationdirection, a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction and atunnel barrier layer interposed between the free layer and the pinnedlayer; a first protective layer disposed on a lower sidewall of thevariable resistance element; and a second protective layer disposed onan upper sidewall of the variable resistance element, wherein any onelayer of the first protective layer and the second protective layer mayapply a compressive stress to the variable resistance element, and theother layer applies a tensile stress to the variable resistance element.Through this, data storage characteristics of the main memory device1220 may be improved. As a consequence, operating characteristics of thesystem 1200 may be improved.

Also, the main memory device 1220 may further include a static randomaccess memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and so on,of a volatile memory type in which all contents are erased when powersupply is cut off. Unlike this, the main memory device 1220 may notinclude the semiconductor devices according to the implementations, butmay include a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), and so on, of a volatile memory type in which allcontents are erased when power supply is cut off.

The auxiliary memory device 1230 is a memory device for storing programcodes or data. While the speed of the auxiliary memory device 1230 isslower than the main memory device 1220, the auxiliary memory device1230 can store a larger amount of data. The auxiliary memory device 1230may include one or more of the above-described semiconductor devices inaccordance with the implementations. For example, the auxiliary memorydevice 1230 may include a variable resistance element including aMagnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) structure including a free layer having avariable magnetization direction, a pinned layer having a fixedmagnetization direction and a tunnel barrier layer interposed betweenthe free layer and the pinned layer; a first protective layer disposedon a lower sidewall of the variable resistance element; and a secondprotective layer disposed on an upper sidewall of the variableresistance element, wherein any one layer of the first protective layerand the second protective layer may apply a compressive stress to thevariable resistance element, and the other layer applies a tensilestress to the variable resistance element. Through this, data storagecharacteristics of the auxiliary memory device 1230 may be improved. Asa consequence, operating characteristics of the system 1200 may beimproved.

Also, the auxiliary memory device 1230 may further include a datastorage system (see the reference numeral 1300 of FIG. 7) such as amagnetic tape using magnetism, a magnetic disk, a laser disk usingoptics, a magneto-optical disc using both magnetism and optics, a solidstate disk (SSD), a USB memory (universal serial bus memory), a securedigital (SD) card, a mini secure digital (mSD) card, a micro securedigital (micro SD) card, a secure digital high capacity (SDHC) card, amemory stick card, a smart media (SM) card, a multimedia card (MMC), anembedded MMC (eMMC), a compact flash (CF) card, and so on. Unlike this,the auxiliary memory device 1230 may not include the semiconductordevices according to the implementations, but may include data storagesystems (see the reference numeral 1300 of FIG. 7) such as a magnetictape using magnetism, a magnetic disk, a laser disk using optics, amagneto-optical disc using both magnetism and optics, a solid state disk(SSD), a USB memory (universal serial bus memory), a secure digital (SD)card, a mini secure digital (mSD) card, a micro secure digital (microSD) card, a secure digital high capacity (SDHC) card, a memory stickcard, a smart media (SM) card, a multimedia card (MMC), an embedded MMC(eMMC), a compact flash (CF) card, and so on.

The interface device 1240 may be to perform exchange of commands anddata between the system 1200 of this implementation and an externaldevice. The interface device 1240 may be a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse,a speaker, a mike, a display, various human interface devices (HIDs), acommunication device, and so on. The communication device may include amodule capable of being connected with a wired network, a module capableof being connected with a wireless network and both of them. The wirednetwork module may include a local area network (LAN), a universalserial bus (USB), an Ethernet, power line communication (PLC), such asvarious devices which send and receive data through transmit lines, andso on. The wireless network module may include Infrared Data Association(IrDA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multipleaccess (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), a wirelessLAN, Zigbee, a ubiquitous sensor network (USN), Bluetooth, radiofrequency identification (RFID), long term evolution (LTE), near fieldcommunication (NFC), a wireless broadband Internet (Wibro), high speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), ultra wideband(UWB), such as various devices which send and receive data withouttransmit lines, and so on.

FIG. 7 is an example of configuration diagram of a data storage systemimplementing memory circuitry based on an implementation of thedisclosed technology.

Referring to FIG. 7, a data storage system 1300 may include a storagedevice 1310 which has a nonvolatile characteristic as a component forstoring data, a controller 1320 which controls the storage device 1310,an interface 1330 for connection with an external device, and atemporary storage device 1340 for storing data temporarily. The datastorage system 1300 may be a disk type such as a hard disk drive (HDD),a compact disc read only memory (CDROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD),a solid state disk (SSD), and so on, and a card type such as a USBmemory (universal serial bus memory), a secure digital (SD) card, a minisecure digital (MSD) card, a micro secure digital (micro SD) card, asecure digital high capacity (SDHC) card, a memory stick card, a smartmedia (SM) card, a multimedia card (MMC), an embedded MMC (eMMC), acompact flash (CF) card, and so on.

The storage device 1310 may include a nonvolatile memory which storesdata semi-permanently. The nonvolatile memory may include a ROM (readonly memory), a NOR flash memory, a NAND flash memory, a phase changerandom access memory (PRAM), a resistive random access memory (RRAM), amagnetic random access memory (MRAM), and so on.

The controller 1320 may control exchange of data between the storagedevice 1310 and the interface 1330. To this end, the controller 1320 mayinclude a processor 1321 for performing an operation for, processingcommands inputted through the interface 1330 from an outside of the datastorage system 1300 and so on.

The interface 1330 is to perform exchange of commands and data betweenthe data storage system 1300 and the external device. In the case wherethe data storage system 1300 is a card type, the interface 1330 may becompatible with interfaces which are used in devices, such as a USBmemory (universal serial bus memory), a secure digital (SD) card, a minisecure digital (MSD) card, a micro secure digital (micro SD) card, asecure digital high capacity (SDHC) card, a memory stick card, a smartmedia (SM) card, a multimedia card (MMC), an embedded MMC (eMMC), acompact flash (CF) card, and so on, or be compatible with interfaceswhich are used in devices similar to the above mentioned devices. In thecase where the data storage system 1300 is a disk type, the interface1330 may be compatible with interfaces, such as IDE (Integrated DeviceElectronics), SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment), SCSI (SmallComputer System Interface), eSATA (External SATA), PCMCIA (PersonalComputer Memory Card International Association), a USB (universal serialbus), and so on, or be compatible with the interfaces which are similarto the above mentioned interfaces. The interface 1330 may be compatiblewith one or more interfaces having a different type from each other.

The temporary storage device 1340 can store data temporarily forefficiently transferring data between the interface 1330 and the storagedevice 1310 according to diversifications and high performance of aninterface with an external device, a controller and a system. Thetemporary storage device 1340 for temporarily storing data may includeone or more of the above-described semiconductor devices in accordancewith the implementations. The temporary storage device 1340 may includea variable resistance element including a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ)structure including a free layer having a variable magnetizationdirection, a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction and atunnel barrier layer interposed between the free layer and the pinnedlayer; a first protective layer disposed on a lower sidewall of thevariable resistance element; and a second protective layer disposed onan upper sidewall of the variable resistance element, wherein any onelayer of the first protective layer and the second protective layer mayapply a compressive stress to the variable resistance element, and theother layer applies a tensile stress to the variable resistance element.Through this, data storage characteristics of the storage device 1310 orthe temporary storage device 1340 may be improved. As a consequence,operating characteristics and data storage characteristics of the datastorage system 1300 may be improved.

FIG. 8 is an example of configuration diagram of a memory systemimplementing memory circuitry based on an implementation of thedisclosed technology.

Referring to FIG. 8, a memory system 1400 may include a memory 1410which has a nonvolatile characteristic as a component for storing data,a memory controller 1420 which controls the memory 1410, an interface1430 for connection with an external device, and so on. The memorysystem 1400 may be a card type such as a solid state disk (SSD), a USBmemory (universal serial bus memory), a secure digital (SD) card, a minisecure digital (MSD) card, a micro secure digital (micro SD) card, asecure digital high capacity (SDHC) card, a memory stick card, a smartmedia (SM) card, a multimedia card (MMC), an embedded MMC (eMMC), acompact flash (CF) card, and so on.

The memory 1410 for storing data may include one or more of theabove-described semiconductor devices in accordance with theimplementations. For example, the memory 1410 may include may include avariable resistance element including a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ)structure including a free layer having a variable magnetizationdirection, a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction and atunnel barrier layer interposed between the free layer and the pinnedlayer; a first protective layer disposed on a lower sidewall of thevariable resistance element; and a second protective layer disposed onan upper sidewall of the variable resistance element, wherein any onelayer of the first protective layer and the second protective layer mayapply a compressive stress to the variable resistance element, and theother layer applies a tensile stress to the variable resistance element.Through this, data storage characteristics of the memory 1410 may beimproved. As a consequence, operating characteristics and data storagecharacteristics of the memory system 1400 may be improved.

Also, the memory 1410 according to this implementation may furtherinclude a ROM (read only memory), a NOR flash memory, a NAND flashmemory, a phase change random access memory (PRAM), a resistive randomaccess memory (RRAM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and so on,which have a nonvolatile characteristic.

The memory controller 1420 may control exchange of data between thememory 1410 and the interface 1430. To this end, the memory controller1420 may include a processor 1421 for performing an operation for andprocessing commands inputted through the interface 1430 from an outsideof the memory system 1400.

The interface 1430 is to perform exchange of commands and data betweenthe memory system 1400 and the external device. The interface 1430 maybe compatible with interfaces which are used in devices, such as a USBmemory (universal serial bus memory), a secure digital (SD) card, a minisecure digital (MSD) card, a micro secure digital (micro SD) card, asecure digital high capacity (SDHC) card, a memory stick card, a smartmedia (SM) card, a multimedia card (MMC), an embedded MMC (eMMC), acompact flash (CF) card, and so on, or be compatible with interfaceswhich are used in devices similar to the above mentioned devices. Theinterface 1430 may be compatible with one or more interfaces having adifferent type from each other.

The memory system 1400 according to this implementation may furtherinclude a buffer memory 1440 for efficiently transferring data betweenthe interface 1430 and the memory 1410 according to diversification andhigh performance of an interface with an external device, a memorycontroller and a memory system. For example, the buffer memory 1440 fortemporarily storing data may include one or more of the above-describedsemiconductor devices in accordance with the implementations. The buffermemory 1440 may include may include a variable resistance elementincluding a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) structure including a freelayer having a variable magnetization direction, a pinned layer having afixed magnetization direction and a tunnel barrier layer interposedbetween the free layer and the pinned layer; a first protective layerdisposed on a lower sidewall of the variable resistance element; and asecond protective layer disposed on an upper sidewall of the variableresistance element, wherein any one layer of the first protective layerand the second protective layer may apply a compressive stress to thevariable resistance element, and the other layer applies a tensilestress to the variable resistance element. Through this, data storagecharacteristics of the buffer memory 1440 may be improved. As aconsequence, operating characteristics and data storage characteristicsof the memory system 1400 may be improved.

Moreover, the buffer memory 1440 according to this implementation mayfurther include an SRAM (static random access memory), a DRAM (dynamicrandom access memory), and so on, which have a volatile characteristic,and a phase change random access memory (PRAM), a resistive randomaccess memory (RRAM), a spin transfer torque random access memory(STTRAM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and so on, which havea nonvolatile characteristic. Unlike this, the buffer memory 1440 maynot include the semiconductor devices according to the implementations,but may include an SRAM (static random access memory), a DRAM (dynamicrandom access memory), and so on, which have a volatile characteristic,and a phase change random access memory (PRAM), a resistive randomaccess memory (RRAM), a spin transfer torque random access memory(STTRAM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and so on, which havea nonvolatile characteristic.

Features in the above examples of electronic devices or systems in FIGS.4-8 based on the memory devices disclosed in this document may beimplemented in various devices, systems or applications. Some examplesinclude mobile phones or other portable communication devices, tabletcomputers, notebook or laptop computers, game machines, smart TV sets,TV set top boxes, multimedia servers, digital cameras with or withoutwireless communication functions, wrist watches or other wearabledevices with wireless communication capabilities.

While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific toparticular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features thatare described in this patent document in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Moreover, the separation of various system components in theembodiments described in this patent document should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Only a few implementations and examples are described. Otherimplementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on whatis described and illustrated in this patent document.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising a semiconductormemory, wherein the semiconductor memory includes: a variable resistanceelement including a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) structure including afree layer having a variable magnetization direction, a pinned layerhaving a fixed magnetization direction and a tunnel barrier layerinterposed between the free layer and the pinned layer; a firstprotective layer disposed on a sidewall of the free layer and a sidewallof the tunnel barrier layer, the first protective layer arranged along adirection perpendicular to a surface of the free layer; and a secondprotective layer disposed on a sidewall of the pinned layer and arrangedalong the direction, wherein any one layer of the first protective layerand the second protective layer applies a compressive stress to thevariable resistance element, and the other layer applies a tensilestress to the variable resistance element, wherein each of the firstprotective layer and the second protective layer includes a passivationlayer including an oxide, or hydrogen, or a combination of the oxide andthe hydrogen.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the firstprotective layer applies a compressive stress to at least a part of thevariable resistance element.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2,wherein the first protective layer applies a compressive stress to thefree layer.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the secondprotective layer applies a tensile stress to at least a part of thevariable resistance element.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4,wherein the second protective layer applies a tensile stress to thepinned layer.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of thefirst protective layer and the second protective layer includes amaterial capable of applying any one of a compressive stress or atensile stress to at least a part of the variable resistance element. 7.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the variable resistanceelement has a substantially vertical profile that is perpendicular tothe surface of the free layer.
 8. An electronic device comprising asemiconductor memory, wherein the semiconductor memory includes: a firstmagnetic layer disposed over a substrate; a tunnel barrier layerdisposed over the first magnetic layer; a first capping layer disposedover the tunnel barrier layer; a second magnetic layer disposed over thefirst capping layer; a pinning layer disposed over the second magneticlayer; a first protective layer disposed on a sidewall of the firstmagnetic layer, a sidewall of the tunnel barrier layer and a sidewall ofthe first capping layer; and a second protective layer disposed on asidewall of the second magnetic layer and a sidewall of the pinninglayer, wherein the first protective layer includes a material to providea compressive stress to the first magnetic layer, and the secondprotective layer includes a material to provide a tensile stress to thesecond magnetic layer, wherein each of the first protective layer andthe second protective layer includes a passivation layer including anoxide, or hydrogen, or a combination of the oxide and the hydrogen. 9.The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the second protective layerapplies the tensile stress to the pinning layer.
 10. The electronicdevice of claim 8, wherein the first magnetic layer, the tunnel barrierlayer, the first capping layer, the second magnetic layer and thepinning layer have sidewalls aligned with each other.
 11. The electronicdevice according to claim 1, further comprising a microprocessor whichincludes: a control unit configured to receive a signal including acommand from an outside of the microprocessor, and performs extracting,decoding of the command, or controlling input or output of a signal ofthe microprocessor; an operation unit configured to perform an operationbased on a result that the control unit decodes the command; and amemory unit configured to store data for performing the operation, datacorresponding to a result of performing the operation, or an address ofdata for which the operation is performed, wherein the semiconductormemory is part of the memory unit in the microprocessor.
 12. Theelectronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a processorwhich includes: a core unit configured to perform, based on a commandinputted from an outside of the processor, an operation corresponding tothe command, by using data; a cache memory unit configured to store datafor performing the operation, data corresponding to a result ofperforming the operation, or an address of data for which the operationis performed; and a bus interface connected between the core unit andthe cache memory unit, and configured to transmit data between the coreunit and the cache memory unit, wherein the semiconductor memory is partof the cache memory unit in the processor.
 13. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a processing system whichincludes: a processor configured to decode a command received by theprocessor and control an operation for information based on a result ofdecoding the command; an auxiliary memory device configured to store aprogram for decoding the command and the information; a main memorydevice configured to call and store the program and the information fromthe auxiliary memory device such that the processor can perform theoperation using the program and the information when executing theprogram; and an interface device configured to perform communicationbetween at least one of the processor, the auxiliary memory device andthe main memory device and the outside, wherein the semiconductor memoryis part of the auxiliary memory device or the main memory device in theprocessing system.
 14. The electronic device according to claim 1,further comprising a data storage system which includes: a storagedevice configured to store data and conserve stored data regardless ofpower supply; a controller configured to control input and output ofdata to and from the storage device according to a command inputted froman outside; a temporary storage device configured to temporarily storedata exchanged between the storage device and the outside; and aninterface configured to perform communication between at least one ofthe storage device, the controller and the temporary storage device andthe outside, wherein the semiconductor memory is part of the storagedevice or the temporary storage device in the data storage system. 15.The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a memorysystem which includes: a memory configured to store data and conservestored data regardless of power supply; a memory controller configuredto control input and output of data to and from the memory according toa command inputted from an outside; a buffer memory configured to bufferdata exchanged between the memory and the outside; and an interfaceconfigured to perform communication between at least one of the memory,the memory controller and the buffer memory and the outside, wherein thesemiconductor memory is part of the memory or the buffer memory in thememory system.